Farmers market becoming point of interest outside Farmington

I take a lot of calls for the farmers market, fielding questions from interested vendors, community nonprofits, general inquiries — the list goes on. In all my years, though, I have never taken as many calls from interested people looking to “find the market."

From Southfield to Northville, Novi, Bloomfield, Pontiac – really, throughout the whole metro area — people are calling and asking about the day, the hours, the parking. It’s become abundantly clear the market has become a point of interest for newcomers.

Art on the Grand and artful food

Gajewski(Photo: File)

Art on the Grand comes to downtown Farmington this weekend, setting up Friday evening for a full Saturday and Sunday stroll down Grand River Avenue, where distinctive and unique juried artwork can be found from artisans around the tri-county area and the country.

A lot of people have inquired about the market this week: will there be a market and where will it be? The answer is, yes, there will be a farmers market this week in downtown Farmington at our usual location at the Sundquist Pavilion in Riley Park at the corner of Grand River and Grove Street. We open at 9 a.m.

An art fair and a farmers market arm-in-arm sounds quirky, but with a little imagination and an open mind, it’s actually a great combination. The bounty of nature is purely and simply artful in its own right. Imagine the morning dew with glass like beads of water shimmering on flowers and plants under a radiant rising sun — so beautiful.

Your market this week

If you cherish music as art, you will love listening to Dan Goree, specially chosen to play the market stage this week. Goree is a long-time favorite of the market and for good reason: soft rhythms, silky vocals and and an exceptionally wide-ranging repertoire. Music at the market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The south bricks of the market also welcome chef Matt Schellig from The Dorsey Culinary Schools, who will lead the market’s signature chef series, Cook’n at the Market, sponsored by Challenge Butter. Schellig will entertain and engage at 11 a.m., with an interactive demonstration that will elevate food to an art form. Come enjoy and savor market fresh samples from Schellig’s culinary class.

Did you know the street on the west side of the market is known as Market Street? This is the stretch that features Starbucks, Dagwood’s Deli, Coldstone Creamery and more. Market Street will be closed for the art fair, hosting an array of children’s activities, including inflatables and a rock climbing wall. Inside the market at the Little Sprouts Kids Corner, Premier Children’s Center will be hosting crafts and activities starting at 9 a.m.

The market will continue to offer farm fresh asparagus, rhubarb, early greens, sprouts, herbs, annuals, porch pots, bedding plants and more. The coffee will be hot and the baked goods oven fresh.

Make a point to stop by the market information tent to sign up for the weekly basket giveaway and remember to pick up a postcard for your refrigerator. We have a full season ahead of special events and cooking demos. Following Art on the Grand at the market is National Children’s Day, coming June 10. I will have more to tell you next week but, in the meantime and as always, here’s saying, “See you at the market."

Walt Gajewski is market master for the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market, located at Grand River and Grove Street in downtown Farmington.